Vladimir Putin has been hit by a dramatic challenge from within his own military ranks after a Russian veteran threatened an uprising unless the Kremlin addresses alleged abuse and corruption inside the armed forces.
Former soldier Alexander Lunin issued the extraordinary warning in a viral social media video, claiming thousands of troops had been tortured, abused and punished for refusing what he described as reckless orders.
The video, which has reportedly been viewed millions of times, saw Lunin demand a live televised meeting with Putin to discuss the alleged mistreatment of Russian soldiers.
“If I don’t arrive at the Kremlin in the near future and speak live on the air right next to you, the army will turn its weapons against the Kremlin,” he said.
“I’m merely passing along the message.”
Jokes aside, Putin’s biggest fear may not be Ukraine, but one million angry, armed and disillusioned veterans returning from a war that never needed to happen in the first place.
On the southern axis, many Russian troops must already be asking themselves, “What the hell is going… https://t.co/Fu8U3ZtfAh
— Shaun Pinner (@ShaunPinnerUA) June 26, 2026
Lunin claimed soldiers were being held in pits and subjected to abuse for refusing dangerous missions, while others were allegedly punished over disputes involving money and commanders.
He also claimed that senior military and security figures had encouraged him to publish the warning online.
LLB’s Shaun Pinner wrote on X: “Jokes aside, Putin’s biggest fear may not be Ukraine, but one million angry, armed and disillusioned veterans returning from a war that never needed to happen in the first place.
“On the southern axis, many Russian troops must already be asking themselves, ‘What the hell is going on?’
“Crimea is increasingly isolated, logistics are under constant pressure, and what was once presented as a secure rear area now faces persistent Ukrainian strikes, essentially, “under siege.” Maybe it’s time to break out Steven Seagal.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed he was aware of the video but said neither he nor Putin had watched it.
The alleged rebellion threat comes as Moscow faces growing pressure over manpower shortages and mounting losses in Ukraine.
LLB’s Shaun Pinner wrote on X: “Another video has emerged of Russian servicemen appearing to back earlier statements by Russian soldier Alexander Lunin, who called for a meeting with Putin and threatened a military coup.
“In the latest clip, the soldiers say they are ‘ready to turn their weapons against those who cause them pain.’
“Lunin has said he wants to tell Putin about alleged mass torture, corruption, and extortion within the Russian military. If authentic, it points to growing frustration from within Russia’s own armed forces.”
Another video has emerged of Russian servicemen appearing to back earlier statements by Russian soldier Alexander Lunin, who called for a meeting with Putin and threatened a military coup.
In the latest clip, the soldiers say they are “ready to turn their weapons against those… https://t.co/qvbwCHuTrJ pic.twitter.com/kLPPVULIGz
— Shaun Pinner (@ShaunPinnerUA) June 26, 2026
Reports suggest the Kremlin is considering another wave of mobilisation as recruitment struggles deepen, with fewer Russians volunteering to fight compared with previous periods of the war.
The pressure on Putin’s military comes after years of heavy casualties, with Russia searching for new ways to replenish its forces.
Some recruits are reportedly being drawn from prisons, with police and officials offering suspects the chance to fight in Ukraine instead of facing criminal punishment.
One mobilised soldier described the new recruits as “disposable”, claiming some had been taken from prisons or the streets and sent to the front despite being elderly, unwell or vulnerable.
The emergence of further videos allegedly showing Russian servicemen backing Lunin’s claims has fuelled speculation over dissatisfaction within the ranks.
The Kremlin has faced previous criticism over conditions suffered by soldiers fighting in Ukraine, but direct threats of military defiance against the leadership are rare and carry significant risks inside Putin’s Russia.
The latest warning raises fresh questions about morale within the Russian military as Moscow continues its invasion while attempting to maintain the flow of troops to the battlefield.
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